AirAsia Philippines and the Provincial Government of Leyte announced the renewal of their enduring partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to democratizing air travel, ensuring vital connectivity, and driving tourism and economic growth across the Eastern Visayas Region.
The renewed collaboration was formally celebrated at the Provincial Capitol, where AirAsia representatives, joined by members of the media, received a warm welcome from Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, Leyte Tourism Consultant Frances Ann Petilla, and other provincial officials. This event underscores the airline’s continuous engagement with key local stakeholders.
Since 2009, AirAsia has been a cornerstone of travel to Tacloban, having flown millions of passengers and consistently providing safe, reliable, and affordable flight options. The airline currently operates 28 weekly flights to Tacloban, solidifying its presence in the region.
“Leyte holds a special place in the heart of AirAsia. Our partnership has truly withstood the test of time, especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda and the subsequent rebuilding efforts. Our commitment to ensuring affordable fares for the Eastern Visayas region has never wavered,” stated Suresh Bangah, AirAsia Philippines President and CEO.
Celebrating its recent recognition as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 16th consecutive year by Skytrax, AirAsia is sharing this significant milestone with its valued stakeholders by offering special promotional fares. Flights to and from Tacloban are now available from as low as ₱516 for one-way journeys. This marks the 11th major seat sale launched by the airline in early 2025. Travelers can book these special fares until July 3, 2025, for travel between July 2, 2025, and March 31, 2026. #SeeyouLeyte
Bangah added, “We understand how purposeful each journey is for every Leyteno. With the ongoing repair of the San Juanico Bridge, our stakeholders can always count on us to consistently provide reasonably low fares, allowing everyone to experience the airline’s continued legacy as the global gold standard in low-cost travel.”
Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla lauded AirAsia’s unwavering support. “Leyte is a destination. Not so many people know it, but it is a destination. We have many other destinations aside from Kalanggaman Island, and we want them to be as visible as Kalanggaman. We want to thank AirAsia; as I said, this is a two-way street. It is our intent to make ourselves visible to tourists so that there will be an increase in flights later by AirAsia.”
Governor Petilla continued, “We may not have the ideal tourist destinations that we have right now, but by the time we finish our plans, my constant question is, which airline do we partner with when we’re ready? And right now, I will tell you that it is only AirAsia I consider a partner.”
AirAsia’s deep commitment to Leyte was profoundly demonstrated during Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), when it was among the first commercial airlines to respond to the urgent needs of those impacted. The airline allocated 250,000 free seats for victims and their loved ones searching for missing family members. Through the AirAsia Foundation, the airline also raised close to one hundred million pesos, which was instrumental in building homes in Tacloban.
“We will never forget during the time of Yolanda how AirAsia helped us. They were the first airline to offer seats. Imagine, they sent two aircraft to help us with a humanitarian mission. It allowed us to ferry people out of Tacloban so they could also find work in Manila and feed their families while rebuilding was underway,” shared Leyte Tourism Consultant Anne Petilla.
